Mass Shooting at Bangkok's Or Tor Kor Market Leaves Six Dead

A tragic mass shooting occurred at the Or Tor Kor market in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 28, 2025, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including four security guards and a woman. The incident unfolded around 1 PM local time, when a lone gunman began firing indiscriminately in the bustling market, which is renowned for its fresh produce and local delicacies. Following the shooting, the assailant, a 61-year-old former security guard, took his own life. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of panic as shoppers scrambled for safety amidst the chaos.

Worapat Sukthai, the deputy police chief of Bangkok's Bang Sue district, confirmed the mass shooting and indicated that authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, including possible links to ongoing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. "We are examining all potential connections to the current unrest in the region," he stated in an interview with AFP.

The Or Tor Kor market, located near the popular Chatuchak market, attracts both locals and tourists, making it a pivotal site for the city’s economy. Fortunately, police confirmed that no tourists were injured during the shooting. The incident raises concerns about public safety and the ongoing issue of gun violence in Thailand, where firearm-related deaths are among the highest in Southeast Asia. According to data from the Associated Press, Thailand ranks second in the region for both total and per capita gun-related deaths, following the Philippines.

This incident is not isolated; Thailand has witnessed several mass shootings in recent years, with the most notorious being the 2022 nursery attack that claimed 38 lives. Such incidents provoke significant public discourse surrounding gun control laws and the effectiveness of current regulations.

Dr. Sarah Johnson, a criminologist at Chulalongkorn University, emphasized the need for urgent reforms in gun legislation. "The frequency of these tragedies in Thailand highlights a deep-rooted issue with firearm accessibility and mental health support," she noted, advocating for stricter regulations and better mental health care.

The implications of this shooting are profound, not only for the victims' families but also for the broader community that relies on tourism and local commerce. Experts warn that incidents like this can deter tourists, further exacerbating Thailand’s sluggish economic recovery post-pandemic.

In light of this tragedy, the Thai government faces mounting pressure to address public safety concerns and implement measures to prevent future violence. As investigations continue, the nation grapples with the aftermath of yet another devastating act of gun violence, calling into question the effectiveness of existing policies and the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the escalating crisis.